U.S. patent application number 15/261065 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-29 for input device, display apparatus and terminal apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba. The applicant listed for this patent is Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba. Invention is credited to Kentaro MIURA, Shintaro NAKANO, Nobuyoshi SAITO, Tatsunori SAKANO, Tomomasa UEDA, Hajime YAMAGUCHI.
Application Number | 20160378249 15/261065 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54144312 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160378249 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MIURA; Kentaro ; et
al. |
December 29, 2016 |
INPUT DEVICE, DISPLAY APPARATUS AND TERMINAL APPARATUS
Abstract
According to an embodiment, an input device includes the
following elements. The flexible touch panel includes a sensor
area. The touch position detector detects a touch position on the
sensor area to generate a detection signal. The deformation
position detector detects a deformation position where a
deformation amount is not less than a threshold on the sensor area.
The input rejection area determination unit determines, based on
the deformation position, an input rejection area. The input signal
generator fails to output the detection signal as an input signal
if the touch position is detected in the input rejection area, and
outputs the detection signal as an input signal if the touch
position is detected in an area other than the input rejection
area.
Inventors: |
MIURA; Kentaro; (Kawasaki,
JP) ; YAMAGUCHI; Hajime; (Kawasaki, JP) ;
SAKANO; Tatsunori; (Kawasaki, JP) ; UEDA;
Tomomasa; (Yokohama, JP) ; SAITO; Nobuyoshi;
(Tokyo, JP) ; NAKANO; Shintaro; (Kawasaki,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba |
Minato-ku |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
Minato-ku
JP
|
Family ID: |
54144312 |
Appl. No.: |
15/261065 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/JP2015/053626 |
Feb 10, 2015 |
|
|
|
15261065 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/174 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0416 20130101;
G02F 2202/28 20130101; H01L 27/323 20130101; G02F 1/13338 20130101;
G06F 3/041 20130101; G06F 3/044 20130101; G06F 3/0412 20130101;
G06F 2203/04102 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041; G06F 3/044 20060101 G06F003/044 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 19, 2014 |
JP |
2014-056257 |
Claims
1. An input device comprising: a flexible touch panel including a
sensor area which is to be touched by an object; a touch position
detector which detects a touch position on the sensor area to
generate a detection signal; a deformation position detector which
detects a deformation position where a deformation amount is not
less than a threshold on the sensor area; an input rejection area
determination unit which determines, based on the deformation
position, an input rejection area where an input is rejected on the
sensor area; and an input signal generator which processes the
detection signal based on the touch position detected by the touch
position detector and the input rejection area determined by the
input rejection area determination unit, wherein the input signal
generator fails to output the detection signal as an input signal
if the touch position is detected in the input rejection area, and
outputs the detection signal as an input signal if the touch
position is detected in an area other than the input rejection
area.
2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the deformation
position detector comprises: a bending sensor which generates
sensor signals in accordance with deformation amounts at positions
on the touch panel; and a large curvature position detector which
calculates curvatures at the positions on the touch panel and
detects, as the deformation position, a position whose curvature is
not less than a curvature threshold.
3. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the bending
sensor is arranged along at least part of an outer periphery of the
sensor area.
4. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input
rejection area determination unit determines, as the input
rejection area, an area including a position having a largest
deformation amount in the sensor area, the largest deformation
amount being not less than the threshold.
5. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input
rejection area determination unit changes a shape of the input
rejection area in accordance with where on the touch panel the
deformation position is detected.
6. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the deformation
position detector detects a radius of curvature as the deformation
amount and detects an area where the radius of curvature is 50 mm
or less as the deformation position.
7. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the deformation
position detector detects a radius of curvature as the deformation
amount and detects, as the deformation position, an area where the
radius of curvature is not more than a threshold, the threshold
being determined based on a weight and a thickness of the input
device.
8. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising an
input rejection area learning unit which learns how to determine
the input rejection area, based on the touch position detected by
the touch position detector and the input rejection area determined
by the input rejection area determination unit.
9. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising an
exceptional operation determination unit which determines whether a
user operation corresponding to the detection signal is an
exceptional operation, wherein, even where the input rejection area
of the sensor area is touched, the input signal generator processes
the detection signal determined to be the exceptional operation by
the exceptional operation determination unit to generate the input
signal.
10. A display apparatus comprising: the input device according to
claim 1; and a display panel including a display screen opposed to
the touch panel of the input device.
11. The display apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising
an image signal generator which generates an image signal, wherein
the image signal generator generates the image signal such that an
image is displayed on the display screen, except on the input
rejection area.
12. The display apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the image
signal generator generates the image signal based on the input
signal generated by the input signal generator.
13. A terminal apparatus comprising the input device according to
claim 1.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation Application of PCT
Application No. PCT/JP2015/053626, filed Feb. 10, 2015 and based
upon and claiming the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. 2014-056257, filed Mar. 19, 2014, the entire
contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments described herein relate generally to an input
device, and a display apparatus and a terminal apparatus which
employ the input device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A flexible display is advantageous in that it is thin, light
in weight and unbreakable. It is a display apparatus suitable for
use in such mobile terminal apparatuses as a cell phone, a smart
phone, a laptop personal computer (PC) and a tablet terminal.
Mobile terminal apparatuses are required to be thin and light in
weight, and the use of a flexible display can satisfy the
requirement. Unlike the conventional terminal apparatuses, a mobile
terminal apparatus employing a flexible display is not very rigid
and may easily deform. At the same time, however, the flexible
terminal apparatus deforms in accordance with the shape of the hand
which holds it, and can therefore be easy to hold. It is proposed
to use such a flexible terminal device as an input device.
[0004] In recent years, a narrow-frame display is in wide use, in
which the peripheral portions of the display are designed to be as
narrow as possible so that the display area can be as wide as
possible. However, if the portable terminal apparatus has an
increased display area by employing such a narrow-frame display,
incorrect input is likely to happen due to the fingers with which
to hold the portable terminal, apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an input device
according to the first embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 2A illustrates how the touch panel depicted in FIG. 1
is held by the left hand of a user.
[0007] FIG. 2B illustrates an operation in which the input signal
generator depicted in FIG. 1 generates an input signal.
[0008] FIG. 3A is a plan view illustrating an example of a portable
terminal apparatus employing the input device depicted in FIG.
1.
[0009] FIG. 3B is a sectional view of the portable terminal
apparatus depicted in FIG. 3A.
[0010] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E illustrate examples of how a
bending sensor employed in the embodiment is arranged.
[0011] FIGS. 5A and 5B are sectional views of the bending sensor
depicted in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D are sectional views illustrating
examples of how the bending sensor depicted in FIG. 1 is arranged
when it is provided for a touch panel.
[0013] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating a method in which
a radius-of-curvature threshold is derived according to the
embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 8 shows an example of an input rejection area set on
the touch panel depicted in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 9A shows another example of an input rejection area set
on the touch panel depicted in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIGS. 9B and 9C illustrate states in which the side portion
of the touch panel depicted in FIG. 1 is held with a hand of a
user.
[0017] FIG. 10A shows another example of an input rejection area
set on the touch panel depicted in FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 10B illustrates a state in which the lower portion of
the touch panel depicted in FIG. 1 is held with a hand of a
user.
[0019] FIGS. 11 and 12 show other examples of an input rejection
area set on the touch panel depicted in FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an input device
according to a modification of the first embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 14 illustrates an operation which the input signal
generator depicted in FIG. 13 generates an input signal.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an input device
according to the second embodiment.
[0023] FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E and 16F are sectional views
illustrating examples of positional relationships among the touch
panel, display panel and bending sensor depicted in FIG. 15.
[0024] FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C illustrate examples in which an image
is displayed on the display panel depicted in FIG. 15, except on
the input rejection area.
[0025] FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating an input device
according to the third embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] According to an embodiment, an input device includes a
flexible touch panel, a touch position detector, a deformation
position detector, an input rejection area determination unit, and
an input signal generator. The touch panel includes a sensor area
which is to be touched by an object. The touch position detector
detects a touch position on the sensor area to generate a detection
signal. The deformation position detector detects a deformation
position where a deformation amount is not less than a threshold on
the sensor area. The input rejection area determination unit
determines, based on the deformation position, an input rejection
area where an input is rejected on the sensor area. The input
signal generator processes the detection signal based on the touch
position detected by the touch position detector and the input
rejection area determined by the input rejection area determination
unit, wherein the input signal generator fails to output the
detection signal as an input signal if the touch position is
detected in the input rejection area, and outputs the detection
signal as an input signal if the touch position is detected in an
area other than the input rejection area.
[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to
the drawings. In the embodiments set forth below, like elements
will be denoted by like reference numerals, and redundant
descriptions will be omitted where appropriate. The drawings are
schematic and do not exactly show the relationships between
thicknesses and plan dimensions or ratios among the thicknesses of
the layers. In addition, the dimensional relationships and ratios
shown in one Figure may be shown differently in another Figure.
First Embodiment
[0028] FIG. 1 schematically shows an input device 100 according to
the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the input device 100
includes a touch panel (also called a touch-sensitive panel) 101
being flexible, a touch position detector 102, a deformation
position detector 103, an input rejection area determination unit
104 and an input signal generator 105.
[0029] The touch panel 101 detects an object (for example, a user's
finger or stylus pen) touching on the sensor area thereof to
generate a sensor signal. In the present embodiment, the touch
panel 101 is a capacitive type and can detect touches (contacts) at
two or more points. The touch panel 101 is not limited to a
capacitive type and may be any type. In the following, reference
will be made to the case where the user performs an input
operation, using his or her finger. The touch position detector 102
detects a touch position on the sensor area based on the detection
signal received from the touch panel 101 and generates a detection
signal. The touch position indicates a position where the object
has touched the sensor area.
[0030] The touch panel 101 deforms, for example, when the user
holds it with a hand. The area on the touch panel 101 which is
touched by the hand of the user to hold the touch panel 101 will be
referred to as a holding area. The deformation position detector
103 detects which position of the touch panel 101 deforms more than
a predetermined threshold (the position will be referred to as a
deformation position). In the present embodiment, a curvature or a
radius of curvature is used as an index indicative of a deformation
amount. The radius of curvature is defined as a reciprocal of the
curvature. The deformation position detector 103 detects a position
whose curvature is, not less than a predetermined curvature
threshold, as a deformation position. In other words, the
deformation position detector 103 detects a position whose radius
of curvature is not more than a predetermined radius-of-curvature
threshold, as the deformation position (the radius-of-curvature
threshold is a reciprocal of the curvature).
[0031] Specifically, the deformation position detector 103 includes
a bending sensor 111 and a large curvature position detector 112.
The bending sensor 111 generates sensor signals in accordance with
deformation amounts at a number of positions on the touch panel
101. The bending sensor 111 is, for example, a resistive type
sensor whose resistance changes when it is deformed or bent. The
bending sensor 111 may be another type of sensor, such as a
capacitive type or a pressure-sensitive type. The bending sensor
111 is provided for the entire touch panel 101 or part of the touch
panel 101. The bending sensor 111 deforms in accordance with the
deformation of the touch panel 101. The large curvature position
detector 112 calculates curvatures at the respective positions on
the touch panel 101 based on the resistance changes of the bending
sensor 111, and detects a position whose curvature is not less than
the curvature threshold as a deformation position. Alternatively,
the position where the curvature is largest may be defined as a
deformation position. The position where the curvature is largest
and not less than the curvature threshold may be defined as a
deformation position. The large curvature position detector 112
supplies, to the input rejection area determination unit 104,
deformation position information indicating the deformation
position and a deformation amount (a curvature in this embodiment)
at the deformation position.
[0032] The input rejection area determination unit 104 determines,
based on the deformation position information received from the
deformation position detector 103, an input rejection area (also
called an inactive area) in the sensor area of the touch panel 101.
In the present embodiment, if a number of deformation positions are
detected, one input rejection area may be set based on the position
where the deformation amount is largest. In an alternative
embodiment, a number of input rejection areas may be set. In the
sensor area, the areas other than the input rejection area will be
referred to as an input area. A method for setting an input
rejection area will be described later.
[0033] Even if a detection signal is generated based on a touch
detected in the input rejection area of the touch panel, the input
signal generator 105 does not output this detection signal as an
input signal. For example, the input signal generator 105 discards
a detection signal generated based on a touch detected in the input
rejection area. The input signal generator 105 output, as an input
signal, a detection signal being based on a touch detected in the
input area of the touch panel 101. The input signal generator 105
determines that the touch detected in the input area of the touch
panel 101 as an intended input by the user and that the touch
detected in the input rejection area of the touch panel 101 as an
unintended input by the user.
[0034] For example, the user holds the touch panel 101 with his or
her left hand 201, as shown in FIG. 2A. The thumb 202 of the left
hand 201 is on the surface of the touch panel 101 which includes
the sensor area, and the fingers of the left hand 201 are on the
reverse side of the touch panel 101. The touch panel 101 deforms
greatly at the portion held with the left hand 201. As a result, as
shown in FIG. 2B, a portion 213 corresponding to the touch 211 by
the thumb 202 of the left hand 201 is set as an input rejection
area. If, in this state, the user performs a touch operation with
his or her right hand, two touches are detected, namely, the touch
211 by the left hand and the touch 212 by the right hand. Since the
position of touch 211 is in the input rejection area 213, the
detection of touch 211 is ignored, and an input signal is generated
based on the touch 212 detected in the input area 214. Since the
detection of the touch in the input rejection area is ignored,
incorrect input caused by the hand holding the input device 100 is
prevented.
[0035] Typically, the input device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is used in
combination with a flexible display. By this combination, a
flexible mobile terminal apparatus can be realized. FIGS. 3A and 3B
are a plan view and a sectional view, respectively, and
schematically illustrate a flexible mobile terminal apparatus 300
provided with an input device 100. In the mobile terminal apparatus
300 shown in FIG. 3A, the touch panel 101 of the input device 100
is opposed to the display screen 302 of the display 301, as shown
in FIG. 3B. The touch panel 101 is transparent so that the user can
visually recognize what is displayed on the display screen 302. The
touch panel 101 and the display apparatus 301 are secured to a
casing 303 and supported thereby. The casing 303 is a thin box-like
member and accommodates such electronic elements as a processor 305
and a battery 306. In order to provide a display area which is as
wide as possible, the frame 304 of the casing 303 is narrow. When
the mobile terminal apparatus 300 is held by the user, a finger of
the user may touch the sensor area of the touch panel 101.
[0036] The mobile terminal apparatus 300 is elastically deformable
when external force is applied thereto. For example, when the
mobile terminal apparatus 300 is held by a hand of the user, it may
deform in accordance with the shape of the hand. When the
deformation amount of the touch panel 101 exceeds a threshold, an
input rejection area is set in the sensor area. Normally, the
deformation amount becomes largest at the portion where the finger
holding the apparatus 300 is located, and an area including that
portion is set as an input rejection area. Therefore, incorrect
input caused by the finger holding the apparatus 300 is prevented.
If the mobile terminal apparatus 300 is not rigid, the user holds
the apparatus 300 at an inward portion. The present embodiment can
prevent incorrect input in this case as well.
[0037] In the following, descriptions will be given on the
assumption that the input device 100 is provided for the mobile
terminal apparatus.
[0038] A description will be given as to how the bending sensor 111
is arranged. Desirably, the bending sensor 111 is provided for an
area which is likely to be touched by a finger holding the mobile
terminal apparatus. For example, the bending sensor 111 is provided
along the periphery of the sensor area, as shown in FIG. 4A. By way
of example, the touch panel 101 has a rectangular planar shape, and
the bending sensor 11 is arranged along the four sides of the
sensor area. For example, the bending sensor 111 surrounds the
sensor area. In other words, the sensor area is an inside portion
surrounded by the bending sensor 111.
[0039] If the touch panel 101 is used in a limited situation, the
bending sensor 111 may be arranged at part of the periphery of the
sensor area. For example, the bending sensor 111 may be arranged
along one side of the sensor area, as shown in FIG. 4B;
alternatively, it may be arranged along two sides of the sensor
area, as shown in FIG. 4C. The two sides may be adjacent to each
other, as shown in FIG. 4C, or may be opposite to each other. In
addition, the bending sensor 111 may be arranged in the center of
the sensor area of the touch panel 101, as shown in FIG. 4D.
Further, the bending sensor 111 may be provided on the entire
sensor area of the touch panel 101, as shown in FIG. 4E. From the
standpoint of prevention of incorrect input caused by a finger
holding the mobile terminal apparatus, the bending sensor 111
located around the touch panel 101 suffices. Where the bending
sensor 111 is arranged for two or more sides of the touch panel
101, the position where the user's finger is touched can be
detected with high accuracy.
[0040] FIG. 5A illustrates an example of a resistive type bending
sensor 111. As shown in FIG. 5A, the bending sensor 111 includes a
conductive film 501 whose resistance changes when it is deformed,
and a plurality of electrodes 502 for detecting the resistance of
the conductive film 501. The electrodes 502 are arranged at regular
intervals (e.g., at intervals of 10 mm), and the conductive film
501 covers these electrodes 502. The electrodes 502 are, for
example, linear and are arranged side by side such that they extend
in the same direction. The electrodes 502 are provided, for
example, in a matrix pattern. The curvature at a given position of
the touch panel 101 can be calculated based on the resistance
change between adjacent electrodes 502. As shown in FIG. 5B, the
conductive film 501 may be provided in such a manner as to
electrically connect the adjacent two electrodes 502.
[0041] FIGS. 6A to 6D illustrates examples of how the bending
sensor 111 is arranged in a cross section of the touch panel 101.
As shown in FIG. 6A, the touch panel 101 includes a touch panel
substrate 601, a plurality of detection electrodes 602 arranged on
the touch panel substrate 601, and a protective layer 603 formed on
the touch panel 601 in such a manner as to cover the detection
electrodes 602. In FIG. 6A, the detection electrodes are depicted
as one layer, for simplicity. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the
bending sensor 111 is attached to a surface of the touch panel
substrate 601 (the surface is opposite to that on which the
detection electrodes 602 are arranged).
[0042] In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the bending sensor 111 is
located between the detection electrodes 602 and the protective
layer 603. In the example shown in FIG. 6C, the bending sensor 111
is located between the touch panel substrate 601 and the detection
electrodes 602. In the examples shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the
bending sensor 111 can be electrically connected to a leading line
which is formed simultaneously with the detection electrodes 602 of
the touch panel 101. Part of a wiring line of the touch panel 101
may be used as part of the wiring line of the bending sensor 111.
In the example shown in FIG. 6D, the bending sensor 111 is a
capacitive type sensor which detects a capacitance between an
electrode formed simultaneously with the detection electrodes 602
of the touch panel 101 and an electrode parallel to that electrode.
When the touch panel 101 deforms, the distance between the
electrodes shortens, and the capacitance changes, accordingly. The
deformation amount of the touch panel 101 is calculated based on
this capacitance change.
[0043] A description will be given of thresholds used for the
detection of a deformation position.
[0044] In the following, it is assumed that the touch panel 101 is
held with one hand of the user, as shown in FIG. 2A. In this case,
the touch panel 101 deforms in accordance with the shape of the
thumb. In general, the radius of curvature of the side of the thumb
of an adult is 50 mm or so. Therefore, the radius-of-curvature
threshold can be set at 50 mm, for example.
[0045] In another example, the radius-of-curvature threshold may be
determined based on the weight of the mobile terminal apparatus,
the thickness of the touch panel 101, etc. Let us assume here that
the terminal apparatus weighs W [kg] and has a size of X
[m].times.Y [m]. Let us also assume that the mobile terminal
apparatus 300 is held from below the touch panel 10 with one hand
of the user in the manner shown in FIG. 7A. To be specific, the
thumb touches the front surface of the mobile terminal apparatus
300 at a position L [m] away from the lower end of the mobile
terminal apparatus 300, the first and second fingers touch the rear
surface of the mobile terminal apparatus 300 at a position D [mm]
away from the lower end of the mobile terminal apparatus 300, and
the mobile terminal apparatus 300 is held at an inclination angle
of .theta..degree. with respect to the horizontal direction. The
center of gravity of the mobile terminal apparatus 300 is assumed
to be in the center thereof. In this case, the force exerted on the
thumb is Wg.times.(Y/2-D)/L.times.cos .theta., where g is an
acceleration of gravity. Where W=0.3, X=0.21, Y=0.3, L=0.04 and
D=0.08, the force exerted on the thumb is 7.3N. If, as shown in
FIG. 7B, the apparatus is supported, with the first and second
fingers being apart from each other by K [m], then the radius r of
curvature of the portion deformed by the thumb is given by the
following:
r = EI / M = E .times. Yh 3 / 12 .times. 4 / PL = E .times. Yh 3 /
3 / ( Wg .times. ( Y / 2 - D ) / L .times. cos .theta. ) / K
##EQU00001##
[0046] Where W=0.3, X=0.21, Y=0.3, L=0.04, D=0.08 and K=0.05, the
radius r of curvature is 0.27.times.E.times.h.sup.3.
[0047] In the above formula, E is an elastic modulus (Pa) of the
mobile terminal apparatus 300, h is a thickness (m) of the mobile
terminal apparatus 300, M is a bending moment of the mobile
terminal apparatus 300, and I is a second moment of area of the
mobile terminal apparatus 300. Based on the above formula, a
radius-of-curvature threshold to be used in practice can be, for
example, a value in the range of 0.2.times.E.times.h.sup.3 and
0.3.times.E.times.h.sup.3.
[0048] A method for setting an input rejection area will be
described.
[0049] According to the present embodiment, the input rejection
area is set in such a manner as to include a deformation position
where the curvature is not less than the curvature threshold and is
largest (the deformation position will be referred to as a maximal
curvature position). FIG. 8 shows an example of an input rejection
area set in the sensor area of the touch panel 101. In FIG. 8, the
symbol ".smallcircle." indicates a maximal curvature position. The
example shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to the case where the user
holds the side portion of the mobile terminal apparatus with a
hand, and the maximal curvature position detected on the side
portion of the touch panel 10 is a position touched by the thumb.
In this example, the input rejection area 801 is a rectangular area
having a size of 30 mm.times.5 mm and including the maximal
curvature position. The size of the input rejection area 801 can be
30 mm.times.5 mm, or greater, so that it can include a portion
which is likely to be touched with the thumb of the user. The shape
of the input rejection area is not limited to be a rectangular
shape but may be any other shape desired. For example, the input
rejection area determination unit 104 may set a circular area whose
center is the maximal curvature position, as an input rejection
area.
[0050] An example in which the shape of the input rejection area is
changed in accordance with the position where the maximal curvature
position is detected will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A
to 10B. FIG. 9A shows an example of an input rejection area which
is set in a case where a maximal curvature position is detected on
a side portion of the touch panel 101. This example corresponds to
the case where the mobile terminal apparatus provided with the
touch panel 101 is held sideways with one hand, as shown in FIGS.
9B and 9C. In this case, the input rejection area 901 has a shape
which is along the thumb holding the mobile terminal apparatus, for
example, an "L" shape, as shown in FIG. 9A.
[0051] FIG. 10A shows an example of an input rejection area which
is set in a case where a maximal curvature position is detected on
a lower portion of the touch panel 101. This example corresponds to
the case where the mobile terminal apparatus is held from below
with one hand, as shown in FIG. 10B. In this case, the input
rejection area 1001 has a shape which is along the thumb holding
the mobile terminal apparatus, for example, a rectangular shape, as
shown in FIG. 10A. The input rejection area is wider in the case
where the mobile terminal apparatus is held sideways with one hand
than in the case where it is held from below with one hand. The
direction (or posture) in which the mobile terminal apparatus is
held can be detected using an acceleration sensor (not shown).
Since the shape of the input rejection area is changed in
accordance with how the mobile terminal apparatus is held by the
user, incorrect input can be effectively prevented.
[0052] Another example of a method for setting an input rejection
area will be described with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. FIGS.
11 and 12 show a case where a straight line connecting the maximal
curvature position on one side and the maximal curvature position
on another side is set as an input rejection area. In the example
shown in FIG. 11, an input rejection area 1101 is set in such a
manner as to connect the maximal curvature positions on the
adjacent two sides of the touch panel 101. This example corresponds
to the case where the mobile terminal apparatus (the touch panel
101) is held sideways with one hand, as shown in FIG. 9B. In the
example shown in FIG. 12, an input rejection area 1201 is set in
such a manner as to connect the maximal curvature positions on the
opposite two sides of the touch panel 101. This example corresponds
to the case where the mobile terminal apparatus is held from below
with one hand, as shown in FIG. 10B. This method can be used if the
bending sensor is arranged along two or more sides, but desirably
the bending sensor 111 should be arranged along the four sides, as
shown in FIG. 4A. Where the bending sensor 111 is arranged along
the four sides of the sensor area, maximal curvature positions are
detected on the respective four sides. From among these maximal
curvature positions, maximal curvature positions corresponding to
the largest and second largest values are selected, and a straight
line connecting the selected two maximal curvature positions is set
as an input rejection area. The width of the input rejection area
may be about 5 mm, for example.
[0053] As described above, the input device of the first embodiment
detects a position where the touch panel is deformed more than a
threshold and sets an input rejection area based on that position.
With this feature, incorrect input caused by the hand holding the
apparatus is prevented.
[0054] In the input device 100 described above, no input is
accepted in an input rejection area. However, a predetermined
operation (which can be referred to as a gesture) may be excluded
from input rejection targets as an exceptional operation. The
exceptional operation is processed as an input even if it is
detected in the input rejection area. An example in which the
exceptional operation is determined will be described as a
modification of the first embodiment.
[0055] FIG. 13 schematically shows an input device 1300 according
to the modification of the first embodiment. The input device 1300
shown in FIG. 13 includes an exceptional operation determination
unit 1301, in addition to the structural elements of the input
device 100 shown in FIG. 1. The exceptional operation determination
unit 1301 determines whether a user's operation is an exceptional
operation, based on a detection signal supplied from the touch
panel 101. Examples of the exceptional operation include a finger's
long-distance movement, a finger's swift movement and a greatly
changed curvature. For example, the operation of moving a finger on
the sensor area at a speed more than a predetermined threshold is
associated with an input for turning a page. Where the user
operation is an exceptional operation, the input signal generator
105 generates an input signal from the operation, even if the
operation is detected in the input rejection area.
[0056] For example, the user holds the touch panel 101 with his or
her left hand 201, as shown in FIG. 2A. The touch panel 101 deforms
greatly at the portion held with the left hand 201. As a result, as
shown in FIG. 14, a portion 213 corresponding to the touch 211 by
the thumb of the left hand is set as an input rejection area. If,
in this state, the user performs a touch operation with his or her
right hand, two touches are detected, namely, the touch 211 by the
left hand and the touch 212 by the right hand. The touch 211 is
detected in the input rejection area 213. If this touch 211 is an
exceptional operation, it is accepted as an input. In this way, an
input signal is generated based on both touches 211 and 212. Since
the exceptional operation is determined as above, an input can be
entered with a finger holding the apparatus, with incorrect input
being prevented. More specifically, when an electronic book is read
or viewed, an input for turning a page can be entered by moving a
finger holding the apparatus right and left. In this manner, the
electronic book can be viewed with one hand in a stress-free state.
In addition, various operations, including the
enlargement/reduction of a map, the adjustment of sound volume and
brightness, an operation of a game, fast-forward and fast-rewind of
a video, can be performed using a finger holding the apparatus.
Second Embodiment
[0057] FIG. 15 schematically shows a display apparatus 1500
according to the second embodiment. The display apparatus 1500
shown in FIG. 15 includes the input device 100 shown in FIG. 1, a
processor 1501 and a display panel 1502. The processor 1501
performs various kinds of processing based on an input signal
generated by an input signal generator 105. The processor 1501 also
generates an image signal corresponding to an image to be displayed
on the display panel 1502. The processor 1501 receives information
indicating an input rejection area from an input rejection area
determination unit 104, and generates an image signal based on the
received information so that an image can be displayed on the
display panel 1502, except on the input rejection area. The display
panel 1502 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic
EL display, and displays an image based on the image signal
generated by the processor 1501.
[0058] When the mobile terminal apparatus provided with the touch
panel 101 and the display panel 1502 is used, a hand holding the
apparatus may overlap the display area, and the image portion
covered with the hand cannot be viewed. In this case, the user has
to hold the apparatus with the other hand to view the entire image.
According to the present embodiment, an image can be displayed on
the display panel 1502, except on the input rejection area, and the
hand holding the apparatus does not have to be changed by the
user.
[0059] The touch panel 101 is opposed to the display screen of the
display panel 1502. From the standpoint of the display
characteristics, the touch panel 101 is adhered to the display
panel 1502 by means of an optically clear adhesive (OCA). The touch
panel 101 need not be adhered to the display panel 1502.
[0060] The bending sensor 111 may be provided either for the touch
panel 101 or for the display panel 1502. The touch panel 101d and
the display panel 1502 are adhered to each other by the optically
clear adhesive 1601, as shown in FIG. 16A. In the example shown in
FIG. 16A, the bending sensor 111 is attached to the casing of the
mobile terminal at a position in the neighborhood of the display
panel 1502. In the example shown in FIG. 16B, the bending sensor
111 is attached to the touch panel 101 at a position between the
touch panel 101 and the display panel 1502. In the example shown in
FIG. 16C, the bending sensor 111 is attached to the display panel
1502 at a position between the touch panel 101 and the display
panel 1502. The touch panel 101 and the display panel 1502 may be
integrally fabricated as a touch panel function-incorporated
display 1602, as shown in FIG. 16D. In this case, the bending
sensor 111 is opposed to the touch panel function-incorporated
display 1602. In the example shown in FIG. 16E, the bending sensor
111 is electrically connected to part of the display panel 1502. In
the example shown in FIG. 16F, the display panel 1502 includes a
capacitive type bending sensor inside.
[0061] FIGS. 17A to 17C show examples in which an image is
displayed except on an input rejection area. In the example shown
in FIG. 17A, a rectangular area is extracted from the display
screen in such a manner as not to include the input rejection area,
and an image is displayed on the rectangular area. In the example
shown in FIG. 17B, an important input item such as a dialogue is
displayed at a position apart from the input rejection area.
Accordingly, the hand holding the apparatus does not have to be
changed by the user, and a pleasant input environment is ensured.
In the example shown in FIG. 170, an image including text is
displayed in such a manner as to avoid the input rejection
area.
[0062] As described above, the display apparatus of the second
embodiment has the same advantages as attained by the first
embodiment, and is easy to operate since an image is displayed on
the display in such a manner as to avoid the input rejection
area.
Third Embodiment
[0063] FIG. 18 schematically shows a display apparatus 1800
according to the third embodiment. The display apparatus 1800 shown
in FIG. 18 includes, in addition to the structural elements of the
display apparatus 1500 shown in FIG. 15, an input rejection area
learning unit 1801 which learns an input rejection area based on a
signal supplied from a touch panel 101 and a signal supplied from a
deformation position detector 103. To be specific, the input
rejection area learning unit 1801 learns how to determine an input
rejection area, based on both a touch position detected by a touch
position detector 102 and an input rejection area determined by an
input rejection area determination unit 104. Information regarding
an input rejection area, obtained by the learning by the input
rejection area learning unit 1801, is supplied to the input
rejection area determination unit 104.
[0064] According to the third embodiment, the decision algorithm of
the input rejection area determination unit 104 is modified based
on the learning information. As a result, the possibility of
incorrect operations can be reduced further. The learning of the
input rejection area may be performed in a state where a message
such as "DO NOT OPERATE TOUCH PANEL" is displayed and the user is
kept from touching the touch panel. The learning of the input
rejection area may be performed without being conscious of by the
user. In this case, a portion detected as a touch position and
undergoing no change for more than a certain length of time is
assumed to be a holding area, for example. In FIG. 18, the
solid-line arrows indicate how signals are supplied in the normal
operation mode, and the broken-line arrows indicate how signals are
supplied in the learning mode of the input rejection area.
[0065] The input rejection area learning unit 1801 learns an input
rejection area based on a holding area detected by the touch panel
101 and a deformation position detected by the deformation position
detector 103. As a result, the determination accuracy of the input
rejection area determination unit 104 can be enhanced.
[0066] While certain embodiments have been described, these
embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not
intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel
embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other
forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in
the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without
departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying
claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or
modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the
inventions.
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